2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Jeep Renegade

The 2019 Jeep Renegade impresses with its attractive appearance, roof panels that are removable, off-road capability and high-quality infotainment. How does it compare to the 2019 Toyota Highlander, an SUV which has received praise for its luxury driving experience, hybrid characteristics and powerful V6 engine?

Design & Style

The Toyota Highlander is a sharp-looking SUV, with a razor style grille and nose that is extended. Overall, it has excellent proportions with a frame that could be described as muscular. The dark finish near the headlights, grille, and wheels reinforces this appearance. Within the cabin, drivers will be presented with a wide dashboard that is well organized with lots of space for storage. The Jeep Renegade is boxy, like most of its predecessors, but has edges that are smoother. The tires are tall, with overhangs in the rear and a front that has been shortened. Its grille has 7 slots, with rounded headlights on each side. The cabin has futuristic vent pods that are placed above the central dash where an 8.4-inch screen is also visible. Buyers can choose light or dark hues for their trim, both of which look great.

Technology & Safety

Although the Jeep Renegade is equipped with lots of safety features, like emergency automatic brakes, self-parking, and airbags, it has performed poorly on crash tests. This is true both for frontal impacts as well as a rollover. It lacks basic perks in the cabin such as air conditioning but does have Android Auto and seats that can be heated or cooled. The Toyota Highlander, by comparison, has an excellent safety record. Not only has it done well on crash tests, but it is also packed with lots of safety tech, most of which is active. This includes cruise control, warnings when departing lanes, and emergency automatic brakes. Amenities within the cabin include leather upholstery, Bluetooth support, and six-inch touchscreens, climate control that is tri-zone and smartphone navigation.

Performance

The Toyota Highlander is outfitted with a four-cylinder, 2.7-liter engine that can produce 185 horsepower with 184 pounds of torque. Buyers have the option to upgrade to a more powerful V6 if they desire. The Jeep Renegade comes with an inline 4, 2.4-liter engine that can produce 180 horsepower with 175 pounds of torque.

The Bottom Line

Both of these vehicles are attractive and essentially tied when it comes to base performance. However, the fact that the Jeep Renegade doesn't even offer air conditioning as a standard feature is a serious flaw, and even worse is its safety test scores, so the Toyota Highlander wins.

Ready to Schedule a Toyota Highlander Test Drive Today?

If you want to experience the top features offered by the 2019 Toyota Highlander, come for a test drive with us at Toyota of Stamford. Since our inception, we have been serving the needs of car buyers from Stamford, and other cities in Connecticut. You can drop by our showroom today or call us in advance to book your Toyota Highlander test drive appointment.